West Berkshire Brewery has built up a good reputation based on their high quality beers, good customer service and niche market, independent values. The Maggs’ really know their stuff when it comes to beer – they are consummate brewing professionals with a micro approach to sales, marketing and industry. Everything from their bottles to the names of the beers, to the places the beers are sold is thought out with their brand’s specific market in mind. West Berkshire Brewery beers have thus a perfect market position, appealing to crusty real ale fans and younger drinkers alike. Indeed, there is a greener market discovering the flavours of traditional brews at present, and WBB’s clean, quirky labels with just a hint of traditionalism appeal well to this set. As such, you can find WBB beers all over the county (and beyond), from gig venues and student watering holes in Reading to gastro-pubs in the sticks. The beers all have marvellous names as well for that added kick of indie charm, including “Old Father Thames”, “Good Old Boy” and “Dr. Hexter’s Healer”. They also do special edition beers, including one for last year’s royal wedding, another planned for the diamond jubilee. They even have a limited edition beer of the month – April 2012’s is the fantastic “Pig and Tea”, a dark beer with hints of coffee and chocolate.
West Berkshire Brewery make malty, full-bodied bitters, milds and ales, available in casks, bottles and polypins, all of which are available to mail-order online. They also have a brewery shop where you can purchase t-shirt, bar towels and glasses, amongst other things. The brewery also acquired The Rising Sun pub in Stockcross in 2005, which won the CAMRA Berkshire pub of the year award in 2007. The brewery also has strong environmental ethos, employing sustainable brewing techniques and business attitudes, sourcing their resources locally when possible, and supporting the local economy. Cheers!
